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You reach into your pocket to unlock the car but. . .the car keys aren't there!

Panicking, you dig into the other pocket of your pants. Nothing.

What about your jacket pockets? No dice.

You think:

• Did I leave the keys behind on the restaurant table?
• Perhaps I left them at the grocery store after scanning the rewards card?
• Maybe they fell out of my coat pocket on the walk over to the car?

And then you spot them.

Inside your car.

You go to open the door, hoping it's still unlocked.

Instead, you discover that you locked yourself out of your car.

It's safe to assume the incident is over if you're reading this article (if not and you're locked out of your car in Rapid City, SD, contact Rapid City Towing for emergency lockout assistance). Either way, you'll want to prevent this from happening again in the future, and our team has some tips on how you can do just that!

How to Prevent Locking Yourself Out of Your Car

At Rapid Towing, we provide emergency lockout assistance as one of our roadside services. If you ever locked yourself out of your vehicle, you should know you're not alone. It's relatively easy to do and only takes one time where you're forgetful or running around more than usual.

The good news is that we can help you get back inside your car. 

And if you look at why people lock themselves out of their cars, and take into account our tips to prevent it, you might avoid getting stuck outside your vehicle again in the future.

Here's how you can prevent locking your keys inside your car:

1. Develop a Routine: Always check that you have your keys in your hand, pocket, or bag before closing the door or trunk.

2. Use Smart Technology: Some smart locks or digital keys can be accessed through your phone. If this option is available to you, it can provide a backup method for re-entry. That said, you should consider the security implications as well by allowing a secondary method.

3. Have a Spare Key: Keep a spare key in a safe location. Some people choose to carry a spare in their wallet or purse, while others leave one with a trusted friend or family member. If your spare car key is at home, it won't help you unless someone else can retrieve it and get it to you (and they will need a way to enter your home as well).

4. Replace Key Fob & Smart Key Batteries: When we talk about drivers getting locked out of their vehicles, it's often in reference to those who forget their car keys on the car seat or elsewhere in the vehicle. However, it's also possible for the smart key battery to die. Many vehicle manufacturers have backup methods in place to account for this situation. For example, you might have a manual key you can use. In addition, some makes and models can still detect the key fob if you hold it against the engine start / stop button. That said, no one wants to be in this situation in the first place. For reference, key fob and smart key battery life is around 4-6 years and 2-3 years respectfully. 

No one plans to lock themselves out of their car, but it happens to the best of us (and often during situations we can contribute to Murphy's Law). Taking preventative measures can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of calling for roadside assistance due to a car lockout. However, if you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate to call the team here at Rapid Towing in Rapid City, South Dakota. The roadside assistance technicians on our team have seen it all before and are here to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible!